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POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
Dr. Kent is currently seeking a postdoctoral research associate to investigate the contribution of nitrogen-fixing bacterial endophytes to the sustainability of bioenergy crops. The proposed research aims to identify and characterize diazotrophs that colonize potential bioenergy crops, to determine the magnitude of their contribution to plant N requirements, and to examine the ecological factors that influence the colonization and activity of nitrogen-fixing endophytes. Using this knowledge, we aim to design strategies to promote colonization and activity of N2-fixing endophytes.
Responsibilities:
- Survey endophyte populations in potential bioenergy crops using culture-based and culture-independent approaches. Some travel is required.
- Examine ecological factors that influence the colonization and activity of diazotrophs in bioenergy crops.
- Conduct metagenomic analyses on endophyte populations.
- Design and execute 15N experiments to measure the magnitude of nitrogen fixation in bioenergy crops in greenhouse and field experiments.
- Analyze and report research findings at scientific meetings and in the scientific literature.
- Supervise undergraduate researchers
and collaborate with graduate research
assistants.
Qualifications:Successful candidates will have a PhD in microbiology, microbial ecology, or a closely related field. Demonstrated research abilities in microbial ecology, plant-microbe interactions, and nucleic acid-based methods are necessary, as is an aptitude for conducting independent research and publishing research findings. Experience with microscopy and bioinformatics is highly desirable.
Start date: March, 2008 or later
To apply:
Send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, examples of publications, and the contact information (names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses) of three academic references to Angela Kent.
The University of Illinois is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.
